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Dr. Sharen L. Cypress is an Associate Professor of Education at Freed-Hardeman University and currently serves as the Dean of the School of Education. She received a B. S. degree in Elementary Education from Freed-Hardeman University, a M. Ed. degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Memphis, and an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, from the University of Memphis. She served as a teacher and school counselor at the public school level and has been a part of the Freed-Hardeman University faculty since 1998.

In addition to her duties at Freed-Hardeman, Dr. Cypress serves as a board member of the Southern Regional Council of Educational Administration (SRCEA) and currently holds the position of President-Elect 2012-2013. She also serves as a National Board Examiner for the National Council of Accreditation for Colleges of Teacher Education (NCATE) and as a State Board Examiner for colleges and universities in the state of Tennessee. Dr. Cypress keeps abreast of current trends in pre k-12 and higher education by serving as secretary of the Tennessee Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (TAILACTE) and she co-chairs the Communications and Publicity Committee for the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (TACTE). She is also affiliated with various professional organizations such as the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), the Tennessee Council of Graduate Schools (TCGS), and the Martha Polk Counseling Association (MPCA).

Dr. Cypress enjoys speaking at educational conferences and conducting biblical lectures. In the School of Education, she has taught various courses relative to school counseling, educational leadership and teacher education, which support her research interests in transforming professional school counseling, team building, working with the diverse needs of students, and building relationships within the school and community. Her outside interests include traveling, singing, reading, and assisting others through spiritual activities.

Curriculum Vita

Education

Doctor of Education

2003, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Major: Leadership & Policy Studies - Educational Leadership

Master of Education

1995, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Major: Counseling and Personnel Services - School Counseling

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

1991, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN
Major: Elementary Education

Licenses Held:

• Administration and Supervision (Beg. A-K-12)
• School Counseling
• Elementary K-3
• Elementary 1-8
• Cosmetology & Aesthetics

Teaching Experience

Dean, School of Education

Associate Professor

2006-Present, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

Director of School Counseling

2005-Present, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

Director of Field Experiences

2003-2005, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

Assistant Professor

2001-2005, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

Instructor

1998-2001, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN

School Counselor

1996-1998, Collierville, Henderson, TN

Middle School Teacher

1993-1996, Collierville, Henderson, TN

Other Experience

Regional and State Level Assignments

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

Board Examiner

Southern Regional Council for Educational Administration (SRCEA)

Board of Directors, President-Elect

State Board Examiner for Tennessee Department of Education 

Tennessee Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE)

Active member

Tennessee Association for Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education (TAILACTE)

Active member

Southern Assocation for Colleges and Schools (SACS)

State Examiner

University Assignments & Activities

All Educational Programs Committee (SACS) 

Graduate Council 

Chapel Committee 

Ethnic Cultures Committee

Professional Affiliations

Tennessee Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE)

Tennessee Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education (TAILACTE)

Tennessee Council of Graduate Schools (TCGS)

American School Counseling Association (ASCA)

Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA)

Martha Polk Counseling Association (MPCA)

Presentations

Conferences

Cypress, S. & Green, R. L. (2010). The four dimensions of leadership: An effective model for instructional change. (A paper submitted for presentation at the 84th Annual Conference of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Atlanta, GA).

Cypress, S. (2009). Utilizing school leadership teams for instructional enhancement: A data-driven approach for making AYP. (A paper submitted for presentation at the Annual School Counseling Institute, Murfreesboro, TN).

Cypress, S. (2008). Understanding the purpose, goals, and challenges of NCATE. (Panel Facilitator at the 49th Annual Southern Regional Council of Educational Administration, Charleston, W.V.: Marshall University).

Saunders, E., Cypress, S. L., Cypress, K. L., & Huffardm I. (2008). Serving as examples of and preparing responsive educators through reflection, service, diversity, and spirituality. (A paper presented at the 86th Annual Conference of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education, New Orleans, LA: Xavier University).

Saunders, E., Cypress, S. L., Cypress, K. L., & Huffardm I. (2008). Serving as examples of and preparing responsive educators through reflection, service, diversity, and spirituality. (A paper presented at the 17th Annual Conference of the Association of Christian Educational Preparation Programs (ACEPP)), Malibu, CA: Pepperdine University).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2006). Piecing together collaborative supervision for instructional effectiveness. (A paper presented at the 47th Annual Conference of the Southern Regional Council on Education Administration, Jacksonville, FL).

Cypress, S. L., Pack, R. W., McKinley, L., Harris, T., & DeSisso, K. (2005). Experiences in minority education at Freed-Hardeman University.(Panel presentation for the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAHP) 14th Annual Conference, Jackson, MS).

If you would like a list of earlier presentations, please contact Dr. Sharen L. Cypress. 

Educational Support for K-12 Institutions

Cypress, S. L. (2009). The role of professional school counselors in enhancing academic achievement at the secondary level: Increasing graduation rates. (A professional development seminar for professional school counselors, Brownsville, TN).

Cypress, S. L. (2009). Understanding the role of professional school counselors in today's schools. (A professional development siminar for professional school counselors, Brownsville, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. (2009). Building leadership capacity in Haywood County Schools. (A seminar presented for the central office administration staff and principals of Haywood County Schools, Brownsville, TN).

Green, R. L., Cypress, S., McNeal, L., Washington, C. (2007) Building leadership capacity in Jackson-Madison County Schools. (A seminar presented for the central office administrative staff and principals of the Jackson-Madison County School System, Jackson, TN).

Green, R. L., McNeal, L., & Cypress, S. (2007). Building leadership capacity in Fayette County Schools. (A seminar presented for the central office administrative staff of the Fayette County School System, Somerville, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Building leadership capacity in Lexington City Schools. (A seminar presented for the faculty of Lexington Middle School, Lexington, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Building professional learning communities. (Kirby Middle School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Team building enhancement seminar.(Lexington City Schools, Lexington, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Establishing and maintaining effective school improvement plans. (Lexington City Schools, Lexington, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Builing professional learning communities. (Charjean Elementary School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007). Building professional learning communities. (Levi Elementary School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2006). Building professional learning communities. (Kirby High School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2006). Building professional learning communities. (Knight Road Elementary School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2006). Building professional learning communities. (Westhaven Elementary School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2005). Developing relationships for effective teaching and learning. (Kirby High School, Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN).

If you would like a list of earlier presentations, please contact Dr. Sharen L. Cypress. 

Religious

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2009). The Christian woman's mirrored reflection. (Presentation for a Christian Retreat sponsored by the Greater Oaks Church of Christ, Pickwick Landing state Park).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2009). Running the Christian race to endure. (Knorris Road Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2008). Building a stronger sisterhood. (Southside Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2008). Planting spiritual seeds to reap a pure heart. (Boulevard Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2008). Lemons to lemonade. (Somerville Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2007). The role of the Christian woman. (Milan Church of Christ, Milan, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2007). Enhancing our spiritual growth. (Beech Grove 2007 Ladies Lectureship, Beech Grove Church of Christ, Brownsville, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2007). The role of a Christian woman. (Berea Church of Christ, Berea, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2007). The role of a Christian woman: Our service as a wife, mother, and sister in Christ. (James Road Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2006). Being different to make a difference. (Central Area Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2006). Loving God, loving others. (Annual Ladies Day, Batesville, MS).

Cypress, S., & Cypress, K. (2005). The Christian woman's mirrored reflection. Horn Lake & Levi Church of Christ, Memphis, TN).

If you would like a list of earlier presentations, please contact Dr. Sharen L. Cypress.

Other

Cypress, K., & Cypress, S. (2009). Supporting the Caretaker. (The 13th Annual Bike Ride for the Multiple Scelorsis Foundation, Grand Convention Center, Tunica, MS).

Cypress, S. (2009). Five values for enhancing the workplace. (Key motivational speaker, The Tennessee Title I Conference, Pickwick State Park, TN).

Cypress, S. (2008). Career Day. (A. B. Hill Elementary School, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, S. (2007). Career Day. (Brookemeade Elementary, Memphis, TN).

Cypress, K., & Cypress, S. (2006). Black History Program. (Guest speakers, Humboldt Junior High School, Humboldt, TN).

Cypress, S. (2006). Motivational Speech. (Commencement Ceremony, Mark Luttrell Correctional Center, Shelby County, TN).

Cypress, S. L., & Cypress, K. L. (2005). The future and our youth. (The Annual NAACP's Freedom Fund Banquet, Brownsville, TN).

If you would like a list of earlier presentations, please contact Dr. Sharen L. Cypress.

Publications and Research

Collaborative Projects with Universities & School Districts

Green, R. L., McNeal, L., Cypress, S. L. (2008-2009). Building leadership capacity in Jackson-Madison County Schools: Soaring to new heights. (A response to the Tennessee Department of Education's Restructuring School Project).
(Approved Budget: $200,000).

McNeal, L., Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L., (2008). Buildining leadership capacity in Fayette County Schools: Soaring to new heights. (A response to the Tennessee State Department of Education's Restructuring Schools project in collaboration with John Hopkins University).
(Approved Budget: $300,000).

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2007-2008). A comprehensive seminar on professional learning communities. (Lexington City Schools).

Publications/Literature Review

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2009). Instructional leadership: A model for change in alternative middle schools. Middle Grades Research Journal, 4(3).

Cypress, S. L. (2008). Operating Processes and Procedures Manual for Fayette County Schools Central Office Administration. Somerville, TN.

Green, R. L., & Cypress, S. L. (2004). The principal's role in developing and implementing plans for school improvement. (A literature review prepared for the Appalachian Educational Laboratory, Charleston, VA).

Cypress, S. L., & Green, R. L. (2002). Preventing fatal shooting attacks in schools. Global Visions for Counseling Professionals, 6(1), 43-49.

Dissertation

Cypress, Sharen L. (2003). A comparative analysis of the characteristics of probationary and non-probationary title I schools and the instructional approaches used by principals in these schools. (Doctoral Dissertation, University of Memphis, 2003).

The School of Education

In the School of Education at Freed-Hardeman University, our commitment is to provide quality preparation programs for future educators, in partnerships with public and private schools and other educational agencies. Through our ongoing partnership work, we strive to enhance PreK-12 student academic achievement and the professional education programs in which we are engaged.

The School of Education at Freed-Hardeman University offers teaching licensure programs in the areas of Early Childhood Education: PreK-4, Elementary Education K-6 and Middle grades 4-8 and in Secondary Education: Art K-12, Theater K-12, Music (choral) K-12, Kinesiology K-12, History 7-12, Chemistry 7-12, English 7-12, Biology 7-12, Mathematics 7-12, Physics 7-12, Psychology 7-12, Special Education 7-12, Business Education 7-12 and Speech Communication 7-12.

The success of our programs is documented by the fact that the School of Education has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1981. In addition to NCATE accreditation, all programs in the School of Education are approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education.

As a continuing force, leading teacher preparation across the state of Tennessee and beyond Tennessee’s borders, we are reflective educators seeking to serve. For more information about the School of Education at Freed-Hardeman University, please contact us at 1-800-348-3481 or 731.989.6074.

Resources

Tennessee Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE)

Tennessee Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education (TAILACTE)

Tennessee Council of Graduate Studies (TCGS)

American School Counseling Association (ASCA)

Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA)

Martha Polk Counseling Association (MPCA)